Summer is here! Time to head to fun destinations along with your best canine buddy. After all, your dog is family, so why get left out of the fun times together? Like family, packing for any kind of trip should consider their needs and safety and good preparation in the event of an illness or injury.
Recently I facilitated a discussion among a large group of travelers about specific safety issues related to travel with pets and how to be prepared for when things go wrong. Although that discussion covered several categories of concerns, the most energetic exchange was on the topic of First Aid and dealing with emergencies. Many of those in attendance were very mindful about their pet's comfort and enjoyment while traveling but had given little thought to how to handle an emergency or even a minor injury or illness.
If you travel with an animal companion, a Pet First Aid Kit can
be one of the most important things you pack, providing peace of mind as well
as the resources needed if something goes wrong. Of course, having one for
humans is a great idea, too, and many items can meet the needs of animals and
humans. However you prepare for travel, keep your pet in mind when
packing to ensure you have on hand whatever you need to manage an illness or
injury that might arise while you are away from home.
First aid kits designed for pets are available for purchase. In my
experience, the quality of the contents in many prepared kits is poor and items
may be old or even expired. A better option is to create your own and fill it
with the essentials that you know are fresh and good quality. It might cost
slightly more to start, but you will have control over the contents as well as
a supply of materials to replenish whatever is used. This also gives you the
option to customize the kit to meet the specific needs presented by your pet
and your travel plans. Since many items in a First Aid kit can be used for
humans and pets, creating your own kit can save space by including all the
essential items with pet-specific contents in a separate pocket or side of the
same container. There are not many things that are for the pet alone and
keeping track of two kits may be cumbersome as well as taking up more space. Empty
packs in orange or red emblazoned with familiar First Aid lettering and logos
are easy to find and will be easy to locate in your luggage or vehicle (or even at home in the hall closet). You may
have an old sewing or tool case you can repurpose. There are lots of options to
fit what you want to carry and the space you have available. Customize the
container to suit your travel plans and lifestyle. Kayaking or boating with
your dog? Consider a brightly colored dry bag that you can take along on the
water. Whatever you choose as a pack, be sure to label it well and keep it in a
designated place so you can access it quickly when needed.
When preparing a kit, think beyond what you are capable of using. You might
feel very confident at splinter removal but shudder at the thought of dealing
with anything bigger. In an emergency, you may have a tele-vet visit and be
given instructions for managing a situation. A proper kit will ensure you have
the equipment you need close at hand so you can follow the veterinarian's
instructions to care for your companion.
Here are the basics to put in your Pet First Aid Kit:
Gloves (nitrile or vinyl, not powdered)
Sterile saline solution- available in small bottles
Gauze pads - sterile 2x2 and 4x4 size
Rolled gauze
Adhesive tape
Adhesive wrap (sometimes called Vet Wrap or self-adherent wrap)
Cotton tipped swabs
Tick removal device such as tick spoon or tick tweezers
Magnifying glass
Regular tweezers
Scissors (blunt tip)
Digital thermometer (the dog gets its own, obviously)
Styptic powder
Fresh, unopened, unexpired 3% hydrogen peroxide
Large plastic syringe (10 – 20 ml)
Instant cold pack or two
Survival blanket
Soft muzzle that fits your dog
Hydrocortisone cream 1% (if the dog can have a topical steroid)
Pet safe antiseptic spray (one example is Vetricyn)
Benadryl capsules/tablets (check with vet on whether this is ok for your pet
and proper dose)
Emergency phone numbers including your veterinarian's contact info and the
number for poison control (either the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center,
1-888-426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline, 1-855-764-7661) should be included
so you have that immediately available if needed. While you think of it, put
those numbers in your cell phone now. Include contact information for a televet
service such as Vetster. Even better, download the Vetster app which can be
used for chat or a telemedicine visit. This can be immensely helpful when
in an unfamiliar area and in need of quick access to a veterinarian.
Carry documents such as your pet's history, diet and behavior along with a
copy of vaccination records in a sealed, waterproof bag. Imagine if you were
injured - would someone know how to care for your pet? An auto accident happens
on a rainy road – will those papers be found to guide care for your dog and still be dry? Could
the dog be boarded at a quality kennel which requires proof of vaccination?
Since your pet cannot speak for itself, it has to rely on its caring humans to
ensure the necessary information is available in the event you are unable to
provide that yourself.
Feeling prepared? A good kit with unexpired contents will provide you with
the items needed when illness or injury arrives. Not feeling prepared? You have the equipment, but perhaps a Pet First Aid course will help with the
preparation. The American Red Cross offers Cat and Dog First Aid courses online
(https://www.redcross.org). Although very basic at only 35 minutes long, it may
be useful to someone with minimal or no preparation in first aid. Another
option is offered by the Pet Emergency Academy which provides more
comprehensive programs including CPR and First Aid which are approved as continuing
education for veterinarians and veterinary professionals
(https://www.petemergencyacademy.com/product/canine-and-feline-cpr-and-first-aid-certification-course/). There
are numerous books available as well which can be used to provide some advance
preparation. Although they can be a useful resource, fumbling through a book during
an emergency is not the best option.
Prevention is always the best strategy. When that fails, the worst thing
happening may not be the traumatic event itself but facing such an event and
not having what you need to provide care for your furry best friend. Whether traveling or
at home, a good Pet First Aid Kit and necessary contact information can save
precious time and just might save a life.
